Blackman, who was presenting the Marion Reservoir Watershed Project Annual Report, said about 20 erosion sites on the reservoir itself need remedy.

She said she hopes to get support from both the cities of Marion and Hillsboro in lobbying for federal Corps of Engineers funding to place additional rip rap rock on the reservoir's northeast side away from the dam where maximum erosion-because of ice pile-up and wind-driven waves-is occurring.

Efforts to stabilize the shoreline using sawed-off cedar trees over the past two years has only been partially successful, she said.

In addition, Blackman said new buffer strips of trees and grass are being widened 50 to 100 feet along land leased for farming by Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Old shoreline that previously included buffers has eroded away, she said.

Blackman said siltation and washing of agricultural fertilizer into the reservoir make conditions right for blue-green algae development.

She said she hopes to see up to $250,000 in Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Environmental Protection Agency funding next year to help with conservation efforts in the watershed.

Although encouraged by new interest and commitment toward conservation from area agricultural producers, she said there is a mistrust to overcome among them when it comes to KDHE and EPA funding.

The three commissioners approved applying for KDHE water permits to allow upgrades at the city water plant that will bring the city further into KDHE compliance.

City Administrator David Mayfield, in recommending the permits, said first steps may include adding ammonia treatment and rerouting chlorine.

Marty Fredrickson, street superintendent, reported the city crew has been making repairs to items such as fences and dugouts at the city baseball park. He said the park received 1,000 feet of guard rail for its use from U.S. Highway 77 reconstruction, courtesy of the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The commissioners approved entering into mutual fire-aid agreements with Marion Fire District No. 1 and Marion Fire District No. 2.

They approved transferring $58,080 that was already budgeted from the water utility fund to the capital improvement fund for water-plant improvements.

The commissioners approved the February investment and collateral report and the February financial statement.

They voted 3-0 to approve paying warrants for $50,945.34 and a payroll for $26,219.69.

They concluded the meeting with two executive sessions, one for personnel discussion and the other for attorney-client privilege.